Getting Started

The purpose of this guide is to help you find the sources you need to complete the research assignments for this class (research project and research exploration).

The examples used in this course guide are not all the answers to your research needs, but examples of where to look and how to search for more. You will need to find additional resources to meet the requirements for:

Four (minimum) briefs,

Two (minimum) relevant precedent cases, not all ready listed in your syllabus,

Two (minimum) secondary scholarly sources, and

Transcript of the oral arguments.

For helpful information on what is and how to identify a scholarly source, click here.

Click here for a useful review of the various briefs and filings leading in regards to Navarette v. California from Cornell University. The Supreme Court offers an audio recording.

The American Bar Association has a page linking to text of both merit and amicus briefs.

If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to contact me.

Search Terms

The Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution pertains to illegal search and seizure.

Alternative terms are:

"civil liberty"

"civil rights" (although 'rights' has developed a more recent interpretation regarding segregation and voting issues.)